November 10, Kochi: A new seaplane service aimed at enhancing Kerala’s tourism sector will be inaugurated on November 11 by Shri PA Mohamed Riyas, the Minister for Tourism and Public Works. The launch event will take place at 9:30 AM at the Bolgatty Palace in Kochi, with Shri P Rajeeve, Minister for Industries, Law, and Coir, presiding over the ceremony. A celebratory reception for the seaplane’s crew and passengers will follow at the Mattupetty Dam in Idukki, with Shri Roshy Augustine, Minister for Water Resources, also attending.
The seaplane, a de Havilland Canada model, is set to arrive at Kochi International Airport on November 10 at 2:00 PM before making its way to the Bolgatty Palace waterdrome by 3:30 PM, where it will be welcomed by the Department of Tourism. The service, which is part of the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, aims to enhance access to Kerala’s picturesque backwaters and strengthen connectivity across the state’s airports.
Minister Riyas emphasized the critical role of improved transportation in the growth of Kerala’s tourism industry. Operated by a Switzerland-based private company in collaboration with SpiceJet, the service follows successful trials in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The seaplane service has undergone rigorous inspections by the Cochin Port Trust, Indian Navy, and other stakeholders to ensure operational readiness.
“The introduction of heli-tourism and the expansion of road infrastructure, including motorable routes to remote locations, make Kerala’s attractions more accessible and allow for faster travel between destinations,” said Minister Riyas. He added, “The development of national highways, coastal routes, and hill highways will further boost connectivity, and the launch of seaplane services will complement these efforts, positioning Kerala as a hub for diverse transportation options, including waterways, highways, helicopters, and now, seaplanes.”
Tourism Secretary Shri K Biju highlighted that the seaplane service would help tourists reach more destinations efficiently and is expected to attract international visitors. Tourism Director Smt. Sikha Surendran believes the initiative will also boost domestic tourism, particularly in remote areas that are mostly accessible by waterways.
The seaplane service is designed to connect Kerala’s four major airports and potential waterdromes, utilizing the state’s rich network of water bodies to facilitate tourist access to various attractions. Plans are underway to establish additional waterdromes in prime locations such as Kovalam, Ashtamudi, Punnamada, Kumarakom, Vembanad, Malambuzha, and Bekal. The seaplanes, available in different capacities ranging from 9 to 30 seats, provide a unique travel experience by taking off and landing directly on water surfaces.
This initiative underscores Kerala’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and making the state an easily accessible and well-connected destination.